Windshield eyeglasses, windshields for eyeglasses and method for wind shielding in eyeglasses

ABSTRACT

A pair of windshield eyeglasses ( 101 ) comprises: lenses ( 106 ) and a frame ( 102 ) for holding the lenses. Each of the lenses or the frame includes an edge formed with a windshield ( 107 ) for sealing a gap between the edge and a face of a user. The windshield extends from the edge and ranges from laterally inward side of the face to an upper intermediate portion and to a lower intermediate portion of the frame. By providing the windshield, the airflow along the user&#39;s face is changed to flow along the outside of the windshield. Therefore, the airflow along the face is prevented from entering between the eyeglass inner surface and the user&#39;s face. In particular, the airflow is effectively prevented from affecting the eyes from medial angles of eyes toward lateral angles of eyes. This eliminates interference with the natural flow of tears on the eye surface, making it possible to effectively prevent drying and inflammation in the eyes, or prevent foreign materials from coming into the eyes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to windshield eyeglasses, windshields foreyeglasses, and a method for wind shielding in eyeglasses. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to windshield eyeglassescapable of preventing airflow from coming sideways to behind theeyeglasses during a ride on a motorcycle, sports activities such asskiing, and so on.

BACKGROUND ART

Sunglasses are often used when riding on motorcycles, drivingconvertibles or playing outdoor sports such as skiing. Sunglassesprotect the eyes not only from ultraviolet rays but also from being hitdirectly by airflow during high-speed moving.

There is another option available, in the form of goggles. The frame orlenses of goggles have their perimeters completely enclosed by a wallthat prevents wind and dirt from coming in, there is no airflow cominginto the space enclosed by the lenses and the frame. This prevents windand airflow from affecting the eyes.

Human eyes are constantly lubricated with tears supplied by lachrymalglands. Lachrymal glands are located above and laterally outward ofrespective eyeballs, i.e. above respective lateral angles of eyes.Therefore, tears flow above the lateral angles of eyes toward the medialangles of eyes, lubricating and protecting the eyes from variousstimuli.

Now, when moving forward at a high speed, with the face oriented ahead,the face is hit by a flow of air. The airflow is divided by the noseridge in right and left directions, and then continues to flow along theface. When eyeglasses are worn, the airflow along the face comes intogaps between the eyeglasses and the face, and flows over the eyeballsurfaces in directions against the flow of tears. This interferes theflow of tears, and dries the eyes even if eyeglasses are worn. Also,this often causes inflammation in the eyes. For this reason,conventional sunglasses and eyeglasses often do not work as a windshieldwhen riding on motorcycles, skiing, and so on.

In an attempt to alleviate the problem, some eyeglasses are designed sothat the lenses and the frame will be closer to the face. However,placing the lenses and the frame simply closer to the face does noteliminate the gap between the face and the lenses. Therefore, this doesnot prevent the airflow along the face from coming sideways behind theeyeglasses. Further, if the lenses are placed too close to the face,lens surfaces make contact with user's cilia, and are often smudged orotherwise damaged.

Goggles, which have surrounding walls capable of sealing entirely aroundthe eyes, can perfectly prevent the airflow along the face from enteringthe inner space behind the eyeglasses. However, due to the surroundingwall design, the user's face looks so different that there is resistancein people to wearing goggles in the same manner as they wear eyeglassesin their daily lives. Further, due to the need for the surrounding wallto be fitted to the contours of the face, goggles must be constantlypressed against the face by means of a rubber band for example. For thisreason, it is troublesome to wear goggles. Still further, it isdifficult to incorporate nicely looking outer design in goggles. Inaddition, the lenses of goggles, which are isolated from the outeratmosphere, will easily be clouded when there is a temperaturedifference between inside and outside of the goggles, often making itdifficult to see clearly and widely enough.

Sometimes, ordinary eyeglasses mounted with prescription lenses areconverted to sunglasses by providing color coating on the prescriptionlenses or by attaching a colored plate over the prescription lenses forshielding ultraviolet rays.

However, the colored plate is placed over the outer surface of thelenses. This interferes with originally designed looks, and reduces theesthetic value of the eyeglasses. Further, the colored plate, which isdetachable from the lens outer surface, does not have a very firm holdin place, and therefore can be vibrated by strong airflow or potentiallyblown off the eyeglass frame.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

A pair of windshield eyeglasses according to the present inventioncomprises: lenses and a frame for holding the lenses. Each of the lensesor the frame includes an edge formed with a windshield for sealing a gapbetween the edge and a face of a user. The windshield extends from theedge and ranges from laterally inward side of the face to an upperintermediate portion and to a lower intermediate portion of the frame.

The windshield provides continuous sealing on the laterally inward sideof, as well as above and below, the eyes of the user, over the range asdescribed above. By providing the windshield, the airflow along theuser's face is changed to flow along the outside of the windshield.Therefore, the air flow along the face is prevented from enteringbetween the eyeglass inner surface and the user's face. In particular,the airflow is effectively prevented from affecting the eyes from medialangles of the eyes toward lateral angles of the eyes. This eliminatesinterference with the natural flow of tears on the eye surface, makingit possible to effectively prevent drying and inflammation in the eyes,or prevent foreign materials from coming into the eyes. By providing thewindshield as far as above and below, or beyond the lateral angles ofeyes, it becomes possible to effectively prevent adverse effects fromthe airflow during movement. In addition, the windshield eyeglassesaccording to the present invention do not seal entirely around thelenses as do the goggles, and so are less susceptible to clouding of thelenses.

Further, the windshield is formed inside an ordinary eyeglass frame andtherefore, is not likely to affect the appearance of the eyeglasses orto decrease esthetic value of the eyeglass design. Further, thewindshield eyeglasses can be worn just as conventionally by means oftemples, which offer handiness to users. Further, since it is possibleto provide a large distance between the lenses and the user 3 face, itis unlikely that the cilia contact and smudge or otherwise damage thelenses.

As far as it is possible to prevent airflow from coming between the lensinner surface and the user's face, the right and the left wind shieldmay be provided independently from each other or continuously with eachother.

There is no specific limitation to the shape of the windshield. Forexample, the windshield can have a tapered shape with its heightgradually decreasing from the facially inward side of the medial anglesof eyes toward the lateral angles of eyes. When the windshield is giventhe tapered shape, any unnatural feeling is eliminated when wearing theglasses. By providing the tapered windshield, it becomes possible tomake the eyeglasses fit the facial contours of most people. Further,since the windshield does not provide an enclosure entirely around theeyes, unlike goggles, the windshield does not make the user's face veryunrecognizable.

As disclosed in Claim 2, the windshield can include a right and a leftwindshield portions for surrounding the right and left eyesrespectively, ranging from the laterally inward side of the medialangles of the eyes to above and below the lateral angles of the eyes.When the windshield is provided as far as above and below the lateralangles of the eyes, the flow of air which affects the eyes can besufficiently blocked. It should be noted here that the windshield may gobeyond the above and below the lateral angles of eyes, depending on theshape of eyeglass frame. For example, if the right and the left rims arerectangular, the windshield can be along the inward edge as well asalong the upper and the lower edges of each rim. Depending on purposesof eyeglasses and the force of airflow that hits the face, thewindshield may not need to be extended as far as the lateral angles ofthe eyes, yet will offer sufficient effect.

As disclosed in Claim 3, the right and the left windshield portions canbe formed integrally and continuously with each other. It should benoted here that even when the right and the left windshield portions areformed integrally and continuously, it is preferable that a partitionwall is provided between the right and the left windshield portions inorder to block airflow which would otherwise move laterally of the facebehind the windshield.

As described in Claim 4, the lenses corresponding to the right and theleft eyes respectively can be provided in the form of a single piece,and the windshield can be formed integrally along the piece or the framewhich holds the piece.

There is no specific limitation to the shape of the eyeglasses. Thepresent invention is applicable not only to eyeglasses having rims forholding the lenses on the peripheral edges but also to those having thetwo lenses connected directly with each other via a bridge, as well asto those having the two lenses directly connected to the temples. Thereis no specific limitation to the shape of the rims, either. Namely, thepresent invention is applicable not only to eyeglasses having rimssurrounding the entire lens peripheral edges but also to those havingrims holding the lenses only on the upper edges. Further, there is nolimitation to the purpose of the eyeglasses. Specifically, the presentinvention is applicable to sunglasses, prescription eyeglasses,eye-protection glasses, and many other kinds of eyeglasses.

There is no limitation to materials or methods for manufacturing theeyeglass frame. The present invention is applicable to frames made ofresin and those made of metals.

An invention disclosed in Claim 5 is the windshield eyeglasses in whichthe windshield is formed integrally with nose pads. Airflow whichaffects the eyes often comes in from near the nose pads to between theface and the eyeglasses. For this reason, formation of the windshieldportion integrally with the nose pads can be effective. Further,formation of the windshield portion integrally with the nose pads makesmanufacture of the eyeglasses easy.

An invention disclosed in Claim 6 is the windshield eyeglasses in whichthe frame is formed of colored resin whereas the windshield is formed oftransparent resin. The frame and the windshield are formed integrallywith each other, and the frame and the windshield share a border region,along which a bordering groove is formed.

The windshield formed of transparent resin makes the windshield lessnoticeable, alleviating an impression that the frame main body is thick.This helps improve esthetic design. Further, the windshield allows lightto come inside the space behind the eyeglasses, creating a look and feelsimilar to those of conventional eyeglass frames.

The bordering groove reduces visual impact on the looks of thewindshield. Further, if the bordering groove is provided and thewindshield is formed of transparent resin, light refracts in thebordering groove, creating a prism effect which represents a uniqueframe design unfound before. The bordering groove is preferably formedat least along the upper edge of the windshield, since the upper edge ofthe windshield is the most eye-catching area.

The windshield can be formed integrally with the lenses or the frame, orthe windshield and the frame are formed of different materials andconnected to each other by adhesive for example. As disclosed in Claim7, the windshield formed of elastic resin can be bonded to the framemade of hard resin or metal.

Further, as disclosed in Claim 8, the eyeglasses can further include amiddle frame between an outer perimeter of each lens and the frame whichholds the lenses. The windshield is provided on the middle frame.

By providing the windshield via the middle frame, it becomes possible tomanufacture the lenses and the frame in exactly the same way asconventionally. In addition, it becomes easy to manufacture thewindshield in varieties of shapes and sizes.

According to inventions disclosed in Claim 9 through Claim 15, thewindshield is detachable from the lenses and/or the frame.

An invention disclosed in Claim 9 offers a pair of windshield eyeglassescomprising lenses and a frame for holding the lenses. Each of the lensesor the frame includes an edge formed with a windshield for sealing gapsbetween the edge and the face of a user. The windshield ranges from thelaterally inward side of the face to an upper intermediate portion andto a lower intermediate portion of the frame. The windshield is providedon the lenses and/or the frame, and detachable therefrom.

The detachable windshield allows attaching the windshield only whenneeded. This feature remarkably improves usability of the eyeglasses.Further, since the eyeglasses less the windshield can be conventionaleyeglasses, a lot of design advantages can be enjoyed. Further, itbecomes possible to manufacture various kinds of the windshield to matchdifferent features of the users. This enables to offer windshields whichhave highly effective wind shielding capabilities.

There is no limitation to the shape of the eyeglasses to which thewindshield can be attached, as is the case in the inventions disclosedin claim 1 through Claim 8.

There is no limitation either, to the shape of the windshield. Forexample, as disclosed in Claim 10, the windshield can include a rightand a left windshield portions for surrounding the right and left eyesrespectively, ranging from the laterally inward side of the medialangles of the eyes to above and below the lateral angles of the eyes.Also, each of the right and the left windshield portions can bedetachable with respect to the lenses and/or the frame. Further, thewindshield can be an integration of a right and a left windshieldportions, and the integrated windshield can be detachably provided ontothe frame.

As disclosed in Claim 11, the windshield can be formed integrally withnose pads. By forming the nose pads integrally with the windshield andchanging nose pad design, it becomes possible to offer a wide variety ofselections for a windshield which fits the face of the user.

Means for detachably providing the windshield can be many. For example,as disclosed in Claim 12, the windshield can be detachably connected tothe lenses and/or the frame by magnetic or elastic connecting means.Further, the frame can be provided with a groove or a ridge, to bedetachably engaged by a corresponding ridge or groove formed of elasticresin on the windshield.

There is no specific limitation to the place where the windshield isconnected to the lenses and/or the frame. The connection may be madedirectly to the edge of the lenses or rims which holds the lenses, tothe bridge or to the nose pads.

When the windshield is made detachable with respect to the lenses and/orthe frame, it is preferable that an arrangement is made for not allowinga gap between the windshield and the lenses and/or the frame. Forexample, as disclosed in Claim 13, the lenses and/or the frame can beformed integrally with an extension for surrounding an outer perimeterof the windshield. By providing the extension, the edge of thewindshield can be fitted inside the extension. This covers up any gapbetween the windshield and the frame, thereby preventing airflow fromcoming in behind the eyeglasses.

As disclosed in Claim 14, the extension can be made on a middle frameprovided between an outer perimeter of each lens and the frame whichholds the lenses. By providing the extension in the middle frame, itbecomes possible to manufacture the lens and the frame in exactly thesame way as conventionally. In addition, the extension can be varied tofit different shapes of the windshield.

An invention disclosed in Claim 15 is the windshield eyeglasses in whichthe eyeglasses include a middle frame between an outer perimeter of eachlens and the frame which holds the lenses. The windshield is detachablyconnected to the middle frame.

With this arrangement, it becomes possible to manufacture the lens andthe frame in exactly the same way as conventionally. In addition, itbecomes possible to select the windshield from a variety of shapes. Themiddle frame can be formed with a continuous ridge for example, so thatthe windshield made of elastic resin can be detachably mounted.

Inventions disclosed in Claim 16 through Claim 18 relate to thewindshield itself.

A windshield according to the invention in claim 16 comprises: a rightand a left windshield portions to be placed along an edge of theeyeglass lenses or frame which holds the lenses, ranging from thelaterally inward side of the medial angles of the eyes to above andbelow the lateral angles of the eyes; and connecting means forconnecting the windshield detachably to the lenses and/or the frame.

There is no specific limitation to the means for detachable connection.The connecting means can be provided on the lenses and/or the frame, orarrangements may be made so that conventional lenses and frames can beused for the connection. Further, the nose pads and related parts may beused for the connection.

An invention disclosed in Claim 17 is the windshield for a pair ofeyeglasses. The right and the left windshield portion are independentfrom each other, the windshield portions are connected to each other bya connecting portion to be placed at a laterally central region of theuser's face, and the connecting portion is attachable to one or moreplaces of the lenses, the frame or nose pads.

The connecting portion can be formed of the same material as of thewindshield and formed integrally with the windshield. Alternatively, thewindshield portions may be connected together by a different material.

An invention disclosed in Claim 18 is a pair of windshield eyeglassescomprising lenses and a frame for holding the lenses. Each of the lensesor the frame includes an edge formed with a windshield for sealing a gapbetween the edge and the face of a user. The windshield extends from theedge and ranges from the laterally inward side of the face to an upperintermediate portion and to a lower intermediate portion of the frame.Further, the windshield is provided with a portion for second lenses.

Conventionally, ordinary prescription eyeglasses can only be convertedto sunglasses by providing tint to the prescription lenses, or byattaching a color plate on the outside of the lenses. According to thewindshield eyeglasses offered by the present invention, the windshieldbetween the user's face and the lenses can easily accommodate secondlenses. The second lenses can be sunglass lenses or prescription lenses.

When sunglass lenses are used on the outside and prescription lenses areon the inside, the prescription lenses are less visible from outside,resulting in improved appearance. Further, since the windshield isdetachable, the eyeglasses can be used as ordinary sunglasses.

The second lenses can be fixed in the windshield, or detachabletherefrom. When the second lenses are detachable, prescription lenseswhich serve a specific purpose can be selected and easily mounted.

Further, the windshield can also be fixed or detachable with respect tothe lenses and/or the frame.

An invention disclosed in Claim 19 is the windshield which is integrallyformed with nose pads.

The nose pads are placed on the laterally inward side of the medialangles of eyes, and contacted to the nose surface, determining thedistance between the lenses and the user's eyes. Further, the nose padsare located closely to the places where the right and left windshieldportions according to the present invention are provided. By forming thenose pads integrally with the windshield, simplification can be achievednot only in structure but also in manufacturing process. Further, byoffering a variety in the height and shape of the nose pads provided onthe windshield, adjustment becomes possible in accordance with the facefeatures as well as the distance between the eyes and the lenses.

The nose pads can also be connected detachably to one or more place ofthe windshield lenses and the frame.

The invention disclosed in Claim 20 relates to a wind shielding methodfor a pair of eyeglasses, comprising a provision of a windshield rangingfrom the laterally inward side of the face to an upper intermediateportion and to a lower intermediate portion on the edges of the eyeglasslenses or frame for sealing a gap between the edge and the face of auser, there by preventing airflow from the laterally central area to theoutward sides of the face from entering a space between the eyeglassinner surface and the user's face.

When moving forward, with the face orienting ahead, the airflow whichhits the face is divided by the nose ridge in right and left directions,and then continues to flow along the face. The airflow along the facecomes into gaps between the eyeglasses and the face, and adverselyaffects the eyes. Especially, the airflow moving from medial angles ofthe eyes towards the lateral angles of the eyes interferes with the flowof tears, causing inflammation and other troubles in the eyes.

The wind shielding method according to the present invention solves theabove problems by changing the route of the airflow. By providing thewindshield, airflow from the medial angles of the eyes toward thelateral angles of the eyes is reduced, which reduces the problems of dryeyes and inflammation. Further, there is no need for enclosing entirelyaround the eyes as long as the airflow can be rerouted. Therefore, thesides outward of the lateral angles of the eyes can be opened to theatmosphere for fresh air. This prevents the lenses from being clouded.

The wind shielding method according to the present invention requiresthe sealing of gaps between the eyeglass frame and user's face, from alaterally central portion of the face to near the lateral angles of theeyes. On the other hand, each person has different face contours.Therefore, it is preferable that adjustment can be made to the distancebetween the eyeglasses and the face for sealing the gaps. For example,by adjusting the height and shape of the nose pads according to theuser, a highly efficient wind shielding effect can be achieved. Inaddition, it is preferable that the windshield is detachable so thatselection can be made in accordance with face characteristics of theuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pair of windshield eyeglasses according to afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the windshield eyeglasses in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the windshield eyeglasses in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken in lines IV-IV in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken in lines V-V in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a pair of windshield eyeglasses according to asecond embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the windshield eyeglasses in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of a frame in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a windshield in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken in lines X-X in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of a pair of windshield eyeglasses according to athird embodiment of the present invention, and is a view correspondingto FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken in lines XII-XII in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a pair of windshield eyeglasses according to afourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the windshield eyeglasses in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a right side view of a primary portion of the windshieldeyeglasses in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken in lines XVI-XVI n FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the windshield in FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a front view of the windshield in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a right side view of the windshield in FIG. 13.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken in lines XX-XX in FIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view taken in lines XXI-XXI in FIG. 18.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating positional relationships between awindshield and the eyes.

FIG. 23 is a front view of a pair of windshield eyeglasses according toa fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the windshield in FIG. 23 as mountedonto a pair of eyeglasses, sowing a section corresponding to FIG. 16.

FIG. 25 is a plan view of a pair of windshield eyeglasses according to asixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a plan view of the windshield eyeglasses in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view taken in lines XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a plan view of a pair of windshield eyeglasses according toan eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a view showing a horizontal section of the windshieldeyeglasses in FIG. 29, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 4.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken in lines XXXI-XXXI in FIG. 30.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 through FIG. 5 show a first embodiment of the windshieldeyeglasses according to the present invention.

A pair of windshield eyeglasses 101 comprises, like conventionaleyeglasses of this kind, a resin frame 102 fitted with a right and aleft lenses 106, 106. The frame 102 includes a right and a left rims103, 103 for holding the lenses 106, 106 respectively, a bridge 104connecting the rims 103, 103, and a pair of temples 105, 105 connectedpivotably by hinges 108, 108 at respective outer ends of the rims 103,103. According to the present embodiment, the bridge 104 has a backsurface integrally formed with nose pads for fitting onto the user'snose thereby supporting the eyeglasses.

On the rims 103, 103, there is provided a pair of windshield portions107, 107 ranging from a laterally inward side of the face to an upperintermediate portion and to a lower intermediate portion of each rims,extending from the rims toward the user's face so as to seal gapsbetween the face and the rims 103, 103. The windshield portions 107, 107are formed integrally with the rims 103, 103. As shown in FIG. 5, eachof the windshield portions 107, 107 includes an inner wall 173 extendedfrom the laterally inward side of the rims 103 to surround the medialangle of eye, an upper wall 171 extended from an upper portion of therim 103, and a lower wall 172 extended from a lower portion of the rim103. These walls are continuous along the rim 103.

As shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4, the upper wall 171 and the lower wall172 are tapered so as to decrease in height outwardly of width,extending laterally to near the user's lateral angle of eye, to fit theuser's face and thereby seal any gap between the rim 103 and the face.

The windshield portion 107 makes it possible to seal gaps formed betweenthe eyeglass inner surface and the user's face, from a place furtherinward of the user's medial angles of the eyes to places above and belowthe lateral angles of the eyes. This changes airflow along the user'sface during high speed movement, preventing the airflow from enteringbetween the eyeglasses and the user's face to affect the eyes.Accordingly, dry eyes and eventual inflammation caused by the disturbedflow of tears is prevented.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the windshield portion107 is formed inside of the rims 103, 103. For this reason, theeyeglasses look almost the same as conventional eyeglasses, so theappearance of the eyeglasses is not adversely affected.

Further, the rims 103, 103 are not formed with walls on their laterallyoutward sides, and exposed to the outer atmosphere. Therefore, airbetween the eyeglasses and the face is refreshed, preventing the lensinner surfaces from being clouded. Further, the eyeglasses are handybecause they can be worn just in the same way as conventionaleyeglasses.

FIG. 6 through FIG. 10 show a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

As shown in these diagrams, a pair of windshield eyeglasses 201according to the second embodiment has a frame 202 formed of hard resin,and windshields 207 formed of elastic resin and connected to insidesurfaces of rims 201 of the frame 202. As shown in FIG. 8 through FIG.10, the rim 203 is provided with an engaging groove 261 ranging from alaterally inward side with respect to the user's face to an upperintermediate portion and to a lower intermediate portion. Ends of theengaging groove open up on the rim surface at the upper and the lowerintermediate portions. As shown in FIG. 9, the windshield 207 has atapered shape, with a center portion being higher, in an integratedshape including the inner wall 173 surrounding the medial angle of theeye, the upper wall 171 extending from the upper portion of the rim 103,and the lower wall 172 extending from the lower portion of the rims 103.The windshield 207 has a fitting face formed with an engaging ridge 274to fit into the engaging groove 261. By sliding the engaging ridge 274from an end of the engaging groove 261 in the direction shown by anarrow in FIG. 8, the windshield 207 can be attached to the rim 203 ofthe frame 202.

The windshield according to the present embodiment is formed of elasticresin, and can deform to fit the contours of the user's face. Thus, itis possible to precisely seal gaps between the rim 203 and the face.Further, it is possible to manufacture various kinds of the windshieldfor varieties of combination with the frame 302, to match differentfeatures of the users or to meet likes and desires of the users.Further, the elastic resin has a gentle, comfortable fit on the user'sface.

FIG. 11 through FIG. 12 show a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

As is the second embodiment, a pair of windshield eyeglasses 301according to the third embodiment has a frame 302 formed of hard resin,and windshields 307 formed of elastic resin and connected to innersurfaces of the rims 301 of the frame 302.

As shown in FIG. 12, according to the present embodiment, the rim isformed with an engagement ridge 374 in the inner surface, and thewindshield 307 has a fitting face formed with an engaging groove 361.The windshield 307 can be attached to the rims 303 basically in the sameway as in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 through FIG. 22 show a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

As shown in these diagrams, a pair of windshield eyeglasses 401comprises a metal frame 402, and a right and a left lenses 406, 406mounted thereon. The frame 402 includes right and left rims 403, 403holding the lenses 406, 406 respectively, a bridge 404, a top rim 418connecting the rims 403, 403, and a pair of temples 405, 405 connectedpivotably by hinges 408, 408 at respective outer ends of the top rim418. According to the present embodiment, the bridge 404 is provided bya single-peak bridge.

The eyeglasses 401 according to the present embodiment have a backsurface via which a windshield 407 is detachably mounted.

As shown in FIG. 17 through FIG. 22, the windshield 407 is integrallyformed of resin, including inner walls 473 to surround the medial anglesof the eyes, upper walls 471 extended from an upper portion of each rim403, and lower walls 472 extended form a lower portion of each rim 403.These walls are formed to be continuous along the edges of the rims 403or lenses 406. The right and left walls are integrated with each othervia a connecting portion 474.

The connecting portion 474 is formed to fit along the bridge 404 of theeyeglasses 401, with the outer surface formed with a connecting groove488 for catching the bridge 404. As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, theconnecting groove 488 has a U-shaped section along the connectionportion 474 and the outer surface of the inner walls 473, so as toflexibly fit and hold the bridge 404.

As shown in FIG. 22, the upper walls 471 and the lower walls 472 extendto surround as far as near the user's lateral angles of the eyes 413from above and below. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the walls arearranged to seal gaps between the user's face 410 and the rims 403 orthe lenses 406, ranging from a laterally intermediate portion to anupper intermediate portion and to a lower intermediate portion of therims 403.

By attaching the windshield 407 to a pair of eyeglasses, the sameadvantages as described for the first embodiment are offered.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the windshield 407 isdetachable. Thus, it is possible to offer various kinds of thewindshield to match different features of the users or to fit differentshapes of the eyeglasses. This enables to offer windshields which havehighly effective wind shielding capabilities.

Further, when the windshield 407 is detached, the eyeglasses 401 can beused as ordinary eyeglasses. There is less likelihood of interferingwith the esthetic design of the eyeglasses. In addition, since thewindshield 407 is attached inside the eyeglasses 401, there is nolikelihood that strong airflow which hits the user's face will vibrateor dislocate the windshield. Since there is enough space between thelens inner surface and the user's face, it is not likely that the ciliawould make contact with the lenses.

FIG. 23 through FIG. 24 show a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

A windshield 507 according to the present embodiment is the windshield407 according to the fourth embodiment capable of incorporating secondlenses 516 inside the eyeglasses. It should be appreciated that nodescription will be made for a pair of eyeglasses 501 itself since it isthe same as the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the windshield 507 is integrally formedof a resin, including a right and a left wall portions fitted alongedges of respective rims 503 or lenses 506 of the eyeglasses 501, and aconnecting portion 574 which connects the wall portions.

The right and the left wall portions of the windshield 507 each includean inner wall 573 fitted to an inner edge of the rim 503 or lens 506, anupper wall 571 fitted to an upper edge of the rim 503 or lens 506, and alower wall 572 fitted to a lower edge of the rim 503 or 506. These wallsare continuous with each other along the rims 503 or the lenses 506.

The connecting portion 574 has a shape to follow along the bridge as inthe fourth embodiment, and has an outer surface formed with a connectinggroove 528 for holding the bridge. The connecting groove 528 is alongthe outer surface of connection portion 574 and inner walls 573, and canelastically hold the bridge.

The upper walls 571 and the lower walls 572 surround the user's eyes asfar as above and below the lateral angles of the eyes, as in the fourthembodiment shown in FIG. 22. The walls seal gaps between the user's faceand the rims 503 or lenses 506 over the ranges from a laterally inwardside of the rims 503 to an upper intermediate and a lower intermediateportions of each rim.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, grooves 530are provided in inner edges of the upper wall 571 and the lower wall572. These grooves 530 fit around a peripheral edge of a prescriptionlens 516 thereby holding the lens. On the other hand, the outer lens isa colored sunglass lens capable of shielding ultraviolet rays.

By using the above arrangement, it becomes possible to make theprescription lens 516 invisible from the outside, thereby to give thesame appearance as wearing ordinary sunglasses. Unlike a colored plateattached outside of the lenses, the present arrangement does not affectthe esthetic design of the eyeglasses. Further, by removing thewindshield 507, the glasses can be used as ordinary sunglasses.

It should be noted here that the second lenses 516 may be fixed in thewindshield 507 or detachable therefrom. Further, the lenses 506 may beprescription lenses while the second lenses are sunglass lenses.

FIG. 25 through FIG. 27 show a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention.

The present embodiment uses a windshield 607, which is identical withthose in the fifth embodiment, and thus will not be described hereagain.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, amiddle frame 681 is provided between a rim 603 of the frame 602 and eachlens 606. As shown in FIG. 27, the middle frame 681 has an inner sidesurface formed with an engaging groove 691 fitted by an engaging ridge690 of the lens 606. Further, the middle frame 681 has an outer sidesurface formed with an engaging ridge 692 fitted into an engaging groove693 of the rim 603. The lens 606 is held by the rim 603 via the middleframe 681. As shown in FIG. 27, the middle frame 681 is formed with anextension 695 on a side closer to the user's face so as to cover theouter edge of the windshield. The extension 695 allows the edge of thewindshield 607 to be fitted inside the extension 695. This covers anygaps between the windshield 607 and the rim 603, preventing airflow fromcoming in.

Further, since the extension 695 is formed in the middle frame 681, thelens and the frame can be manufactured in exactly the same way asconventionally. In addition, the extension can be varied to fitdifferent shapes of the windshield.

FIG. 28 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

The present embodiment uses a pair of windshield eyeglasses 701comprising a frame 702 and a windshield 707, which are identical withthose according to the fifth embodiment, and thus will not be describedhere again.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, the middleframe according to the sixth embodiment is integrally formed with thewindshield 707. The middle frame 781 has an inner side surface formedwith an engaging groove 791 fitted by an engaging ridge 790 of a lens706. Further, the middle frame 781 has an outer side surface formed withan engaging ridge 792 fitted into an engaging groove 793 of a rim 703.The lens 706 is held by the rim 703 via the middle frame 781.

As in the previous embodiments, the windshield 707 includes a set of aninner wall 773 surrounding the medial angle of eye, an upper wall 771extending from an upper edge of the rim 703, and a lower wall 772extending from a lower edge of the rim 703, on each of the right and theleft sides. The walls provide an enclosure ranging from the laterallyinward side of the medial angles of the eyes to above and below thelateral angles of the eyes, and seal gaps between the user's face andthe rims 703 or lenses 706.

By providing the windshield 707 integrally with the middle frames 781,the lenses and the frame can be manufactured in exactly the same way asconventionally. In addition, the windshield can be varied to fitdifferent features of users.

FIG. 29 through FIG. 31 show an eighth embodiment of the presentinvention.

A pair of windshield eyeglasses 801 according to the present embodimentincludes a windshield 807 which is the windshield according to the firstembodiment, formed integrally with a frame 802 but in a different colorfrom the color of the frame. Preferably, the frame 802 is made ofcolored resin while the windshield 807 integrated there with is made oftransparent resin.

Further, according to the present embodiment, a bordering groove 890 isformed along an upper edge border between the frame 802 and thewindshield 807.

The windshield 807 formed of transparent resin makes the windshield lessnoticeable, alleviating an impression that the frame main body is thick.This helps improve esthetic design. Further, the windshield allows lightto come inside the space behind the eyeglasses, creating a look and feelsimilar to those of conventional eyeglass frames.

By forming the bordering groove 890, it becomes possible to reducevisual impact of the windshield on the appearance of the eyeglasses.Further, combination of the transparent windshield 807 and the borderinggroove 890 causes light to refract in the bordering groove, creating aprism effect which represents a unique frame design unfound before. Thebordering groove 890 is preferably formed at least along the upper edgeof the windshield, since the upper edge of the windshield is the mosteye-catching region.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments so fardescribed.

In the embodiments, the present invention is applied to a type ofeyeglasses in which a frame includes two rims connected with each otherby a bridge, and right and left lenses are held individually in the rimsrespectively. However, the present invention is also applicable toeyeglasses in which the right and left lenses are formed in a singlepiece.

Further, according to the embodiments, lenses are held by rims alongperipheral edges. However, the present invention is also applicable toeyeglasses in which lenses are not held by the rims but connecteddirectly by a bridge or a top rim. In this case, the windshield can beattached to an edge of the lenses. For example, the windshield can beformed of elastic resin and attached to the edge of the rims usingadhesive or fitting means. Alternatively, the windshield may be attachedto the nose pads.

According to the sixth embodiment, an extension to fit over an outeredge of the windshield was formed around each rim. Alternatively,elimination of gaps between the windshield and the frame can be achievedby different means provided along the edges of the rims or lenses forfitting with the edge of the windshield.

According o the fifth embodiment, a sunglass lens and a prescriptionlens are used. Alternatively, both may be prescription lenses.

Further, according to the fifth embodiment, the second lenses are heldby a windshield which is detachable from the eyeglass main body.Alternatively, there can be an arrangement that the windshield accordingto the first embodiment which is integrated with the eyeglasses may beformed with a lens holding grooves so that the second lenses can be helddetachably.

1-8. (canceled)
 9. A pair of windshield eyeglasses comprising lenses anda frame for holding the lenses, wherein each of the lenses or the frameincludes an edge formed with a windshield for sealing a gap between theedge and the face of a user, the windshield ranging from the laterallyinward side of the face to an upper intermediate portion and to a lowerintermediate portion of the frame, the windshield being provided on thelenses and/or the frame and detachable therefrom.
 10. The windshieldeyeglasses according to claim 9, wherein the windshield includes a rightand a left windshield portions for surrounding the right and left eyesrespectively, ranging from the laterally inward side of medial angles ofthe eyes to above and below the lateral angles of eyes.
 11. Thewindshield eyeglasses according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein thewindshield is formed integrally with nose pads.
 12. The windshieldeyeglasses according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the windshield isdetachably connected to the lenses and/or the frame by magnetic orelastic connecting means.
 13. The windshield eyeglasses according toclaim 9, wherein the lenses and/or the frame are formed integrally withan extension for enclosing an outer perimeter of the windshield.
 14. Thewindshield eyeglasses according to claim 13, wherein the eyeglassesfurther include a middle frame between an outer perimeter of each lensand the frame which holds the lenses, the extension being provided onthe middle frame.
 15. The windshield eyeglasses according to claim 9 orclaim 10, wherein the eyeglasses further include a middle frame betweenan outer perimeter of each lens and the frame which holds the lenses,the windshield being detachably connected to the middle frame.
 16. Awindshield for a pair of eyeglasses, comprising: a right and leftwindshield portions to be placed along an edge of the eyeglass lenses orframe which holds the lenses, ranging from the laterally inward side ofmedial angles of the eyes to above and below the lateral angles of theeyes; and connecting means for connecting the windshield detachable tothe lenses and/or the frame.
 17. The windshield according to claim 16,wherein the right and the left windshield portions are independent fromeach other, the windshield portions being connected each other by aconnecting portion and to be placed at a laterally central region of auser face, the connecting portion being attachable to one or more placesof the lenses, the frame or nose pads.
 18. A pair of windshieldeyeglasses comprising lenses and a frame for holding the lenses, whereineach of the lenses or the frame includes an edge formed with awindshield for sealing a gap between the edge and the face of a user,the windshield extending from the edge and ranging from the laterallyinward side of the face to an upper intermediate portion and to a lowerintermediate portion of the frame, and wherein the windshield isprovided with a portion for second lenses.
 19. The windshield for a pairof eyeglasses according to claim 18, wherein the windshield isintegrally formed with nose pads.
 20. (canceled)